Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Chronic Disease Prevention.
Polyphenols as Nature’s Bioactive Arsenal. Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods such as berries, green tea, olive oil, turmeric, cocoa, and red wine. They are not essential nutrients in the traditional sense, but their bioactive properties have attracted significant scientific interest. Unlike vitamins or minerals, polyphenols exert their influence through subtle biochemical interactions, modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular signaling pathways. Their role in chronic disease prevention is increasingly recognized, with evidence linking polyphenol-rich diets to reduced cardiovascular risk, improved metabolic health, and protection against neurodegenerative decline. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: The Dual Targets of Polyphenols. Chronic disease often arises from the interplay of oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelm the body’s antioxida...